Hi-Fi in Bay Area?

I would stick to the SF places Jimmymac mentions, initially.

True Sound is located in Campbell, near San Jose. Nick Gowan's main claim to fame is as a tehnical wizard - master of component repair. He also sells some components out of his VERY small digs, though his selection is not deep by any means. However, Nick is one the best folks in the business and I would trust to him to order for you whatever you needed.

If you DO go to the Analog Room, call FIRST. Ask for Brian, the owner, and tell him what are your intentions if you are planning to BUY and you will be treated well. If you are ONLY planning to graze, I might save the effort and time. Keep in mind that unless you like the THICKEST of cigar smoke and are willing to purchase LP's whose jackets often reek of tobacco (and will if not sealed), AND you are prepared to accept a condescending response if you ask a question or make a comment not in keeping with the owner's opinions, don't reserve that rental car too quickly.

OK, OK, before you Analog Room lovers jump down my back, think about what I've said. You know it can be true. I have visited there many, many times so I do know of where I speak and suggest that, while a decent place in some instances and for some products, it can be a very intimidating place for the first-timer. The treatment there can be indifferent, at best, and extremely rude, at worst. I know, because I've seen (and once experienced) both. I mention this to the OP because I for a time I recommended the place to others without reservation, only to have a few folks be treated badly (which was actually not a real surprise) and then have them be angry with ME for suggesting the place.

End of disclaimer. ;-)

Re: the Analog Room. Thanks, but as many hi-fi dealers are little more than reformed bong salesmen, it is my estimation of them that will likely be the issue.

4yanx,

I disagree, (as I have in the past), with your assertion that the treatment at The Analog Room is indifferent "at best". I won't dispute that at its worst, it can be rude, although certainly no more rude than EVERY other high end dealer can be on occasion. Certainly Brian is not even close to being in the same category as the old Audible Difference in Palo Alto was! (Argh, they were the worst. (I have heard they reopened that store, and hopefully this time, with better sales people.)

However, Brian, when at his best, can be incredibly helpful, and accommodating. He certainly has gone out of his way to make my buying experiences pleasant. (He has set up both of my turntables and tone arms for me for nothing. I bought both used off people from Audiogon or Ebay, and he knew it. Hell, he even guided me toward what to buy, after listening to my criteria for what I wanted. He literally unpacked both of my turntables and tone arms from the packing crates, assembled them, and then mounted the cartridge on, and properly adjusted it. Now does that sound indifferent to you? And don't think he went out of his way because I was buying Koetsu Jade Platinum cartridges from him every other week. I bought a Benz Micro Glider 2, and when that had its cantilever busted off, he gave me 40% credit toward a Koetsu Black. And he mounted both cartridges both times as a courtesy. (Total investment in these cartridge was under $2K.)

Certainly he does not appreciate it when you waste his time browsing in the store and wasting his time setting up and wearing out his equipment for useless listening sessions, with no obvious intention of buying anything, not even a used LP. But again, all high end dealers dislike to be used in such a fashion. (And rightfully so.)

My take on Brian is that he is incredibly knowledgeable person, especially in regards to all things analog, and a nice guy to boot. Once you establish that you accept his opinions as based upon his vast experience, regardless of whether you agree with him or not, he is fine to deal with. However, going into HIS store, and then arguing that he is wrong about his approach to high end equipment, is not the way to go about establishing a good working relationship.

Also, while I hate cigar smoke (almost as much as cigarette smoke - I never smoked, never have, never will), I have never found it to be the "THICKEST" cigar smoke at any time.

Can I smell it when I go there?
You bet.

Can I see it in the air?
No, not usually, but occasionally.

Brian is EXTREMELY good about keeping the doors and windows open when he does indulge.

And I have bought dozens of new, and several used albums from him. (He has a great selection, btw!) NONE of them had cigar smell on them. My wife would certainly have noticed, as she can smell as good as a hunting dog!

4yanx, what exactly did Brian do to get you so pissed?